Emotional factors like a desire to reunify with family and feeling homesick are the most frequently mentioned reasons for returning to Ukraine, especially by those who return to home settlements.
These findings along with the reasons for refugees return from the longitudinal study-a survey conducted since March 2022 with the focus on refugees who fled Ukraine due to the full-scale invasion of Russia to Ukraine-were presented by IMPACT initiatives.
Yet push factors like lack of work opportunities, accommodation difficulties are reported in higher proportions amidst those who return to become IDPs, compared to those who return from abroad to their home settlement. This is complemented by the fact that refugees with lower incomes (median household income = 200 Euros) and those who stayed in collective sites or other temporary housing options are more inclined to return.
Despite a notable portion of refugees opting to return to Ukraine, the ongoing war makes the returns unsafe.As of early 2024, approximately 6.2 million refugees from Ukraine remain dispersed across various countries worldwide, with the majority seeking protection in Europe.
Since March 2022, IMPACT has been committed to understanding the experiences of those who moved abroad in reaction to the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine. Through a monthly longitudinal survey with 5,000 respondents conducted via phone interviews, IMPACT delves into the mobility patterns, integration trajectories, and intentions to return of refugees and returnees.
This ongoing study provides insights into how these factors evolve over time. The study is currently funded by USAID and IFRC (with past rounds funded by the Belgian Red Cross, the German Red Cross, and Save the Children), as well as supported by and conducted in partnership with Ukrainian Red Cross Society.